On Monday President Obama endorsed a plan that would empower the states to tax purchases made online. This isn't just a Democratic plan as many Republicans are joining with the Democrats and President Obama to get this legislation through. According to The Hill, Senators advanced the bill with a 74-20 vote Monday night.

The Senate will now begin debate on amendments. The chamber is expected to hold the decisive vote on the bill — known as the Marketplace Fairness Act — later this week.

Major retailers are putting all their lobbying muscle behind the legislation, arguing it would close an unfair loophole that benefits online merchants over brick-and-mortar stores. The National Retail Federation, which represents chains such as Macy’s, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), which counts Target and others among its membership, announced it would score lawmakers’ votes.

The White House gave the bill a ringing endorsement on Monday.

 

“We have heard overwhelmingly from governors, mayors and the business community on the need for federal legislation to level the playing field for our businesses and address sales tax fairness,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

But signs of trouble for the bill also emerged as Wall Street groups urged the Senate to slow down and eBay began marshalling its users in a massive campaign to kill it.

What do you think about this issue? Should people who purchase items online have to pay a sales tax just to make it fair?

 

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